Eden Teshome – Page 5 – Ethiopian Business Review

Babul Kheyer, meaning “Gate of Good,” is a charitable organisation that has significantly impacted the lives of thousands of needy individuals. Founded by Hanan Mahmuda, a compassionate and determined woman, Babul Kheyer has become a beacon of hope for the underprivileged. The organisation showcases the transformative power of unity and selfless service through its daily provision of meals, assistance to needy people, and empowerment initiatives. In this article, EBR’s Eden Teshome delve into the origins of Babul Kheyer, its remarkable achievements, and the unwavering dedication of Hanan.

As a female journalist navigating the challenging terrain of a male-dominated sector, my journey has been marked by numerous obstacles and biases. From battling stereotypes to facing discrimination, I have encountered firsthand the unique challenges women in journalism often confront. The challenges I have gone through as a female journalist and breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry haven’t been easy.

I still vividly remember my entry into the journalism sector as a fresh graduate in Economics, armed with little knowledge about the inner workings of the industry. It didn’t take long for me to realize that deeply ingrained gender stereotypes would become a significant obstacle in my path. From the early stages of my career, I felt underestimated and deemed less capable than my male colleagues.

Hibret Bank and Mastercard have partnered to introduce Prepaid Hibir Mastercard services in Ethiopia. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s journey toward financial digitization. It’s said that the Prepaid Hibir Mastercard offers customers secure and convenient international banking experiences by providing access to foreign currency for overseas travel and international transactions wherever Mastercard is accepted.

Melika Bedri Mohammed CEO, Zamzam Bank

Melika Bedri Mohammed is the CEO of ZamZam Bank, Ethiopia’s first full-fledged interest-free bank. With a solid educational background in banking and finance, including a Diploma in Banking & Finance and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Melika has honed her expertise in the intricacies of the financial sector. Throughout her career at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), Melika showcased exceptional competence and leadership acumen. Rising through the ranks, she held vital roles, such as Chief Finance Officer and Vice President of Information Systems, where she played a pivotal role in driving the bank’s success and spearheading its technological transformation. As the CEO of ZamZam Bank, Melika continues to lead the institution with dedication, navigating regulatory frameworks and fostering a vision of ethical finance in Ethiopia’s banking sector. Under her leadership, ZamZam Bank has introduced a pioneering model that aligns with Sharia principles while embracing modern banking practices. This approach has positioned the bank as a beacon of ethical finance, catering to the needs of a diverse customer base. In an exclusive interview with EBR’s Eden Teshome, Melika shares insights into her journey, challenges, and vision for ZamZam Bank’s future. With her wealth of experience and deep understanding of the industry, Melika provides valuable perspectives on the role of ethical finance in driving economic growth and fostering financial inclusion in Ethiopia.

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YEMariam “YEMa” Chernet, an Ethiopian singer based in Addis Ababa, captivates listeners with her gentle yet powerful voice, showcasing her intimately forceful style and lush musicality on her debut album, “Yedega Sew.” Inspired by Ethiopian songs’ traditional fluttering vocal passions, YEMa skillfully brings them into a contemporary realm reminiscent of the accomplished Ejigayehu Shibabaw. Produced by Eyuel Mengistu, head of Yared School of Music, and featuring talented artists like lyricist Yilma Gebreab, drummer Teferi Assefa, and Kora player Jose Braima Galissa, YEMa’s album reflects delicate fusions and defies cultural boundaries. With a narrative between various instruments, including mesenko, dita, washint, philas, and kora, the album captures both reflective and fiery moments. YEMa, the daughter of a former music manager, grew up surrounded by music and began exploring her vocal talents at an early age. Her collaboration with Eyuel started in Ramada Addis, leading to various musical experiments and projects. YEMa’s voice and style have drawn comparisons to the renowned artist Gigi, but she embraces the honour and burden while striving to develop her unique sound and style. In an exclusive interview with EBR’s Eden Teshome, YEMa discusses her musical journey, influences, and aspirations.

Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia Plc, a subsidiary of Kenya’s Safaricom, has achieved a milestone in Ethiopia’s telecommunications market as its customer base surpasses 9 million.

The impressive customer acquisition took place within a span of nine months, from October 2022 to December 2023. Safaricom’s Ethiopia unit successfully onboarded over 9 million customers during this period, demonstrating the strong demand for its voice, SMS, and mobile money services.

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Hanan Ahmed, the CEO of Han’s Reusable Sanitary Manufacturing, passionately advocates for women’s hygiene and empowerment. Her remarkable journey from the aviation industry to fashion and accessory design led her to recognize the pressing need for menstrual hygiene management in her community. Motivated by her own experiences, Hanan embarked on a mission to break the barriers that hindered girls’ education and to promote dignity for women and older people. Her company’s “Help Her Blossom” campaign has provided reusable sanitary pads and dignity kits to women and girls across various communities in Ethiopia. Through her dedication and compassion, Hanan is transforming lives and creating a better society for women, writes EBR’s Eden Teshome.

In an announcement made at the Startup Ethiopia event, Ethiopia’s startup landscape is poised for a revolutionary transformation. A series of progressive legal reforms were unveiled, signaling a new era of growth and innovation for the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The reforms announced at the event are expected to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and pave the way for economic progress.

Cooperative Bank of Oromia (Coopbank) signed a subscription agreement with the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) to acquire shares valued at ETB 60 million.

During the signing ceremony held at Cooperative Bank’s Head Office, Mr. Liko Tolesa, Coopbank’s VP of Human Capital and Project Management, emphasized the crucial role of ESX in securing additional financing and nurturing investment opportunities within the nation. He affirmed that the decision to acquire ETB 60 million worth of shares perfectly aligns with Coopbank’s commitment to fostering economic development and prosperity.

In the burgeoning landscape of Ethiopian cinema, filmmakers like Haymanot Girmay and Moges Asrat are reshaping the industry’s narrative on YouTube. Girmay, a newcomer, invested her passion and resources into her debut film “Honelgn,” delving into societal issues with a personal touch. Meanwhile, Asrat, a seasoned figure, emphasizes the delicate balance between art and profit, learning from his early challenges. Yet, Ermias Hailemichael, a stalwart in the field, expresses concern over YouTube’s impact, citing potential quality compromises and profit-centric motives. As the debate unfolds, these filmmakers highlight the need for industry criteria, fair compensation, and more significant investment to elevate Ethiopian cinema on local and global platforms. The future, they assert, lies in fostering quality content and incentivizing long-term success over short-lived gains, writes Addisu Deresse.

Babul Kheyer A Gateway to Goodness

It Hasn’t Been Easy Journey for Professional, Leadership Excellence in a Male Dominated Media Landscape

Prepaid Hibir Mastercard Makes its Debut in Ethiopia

The Market for Interest-Free Banking Still Needs to Be Tapped

Melika Bedri Mohammed CEO, Zamzam Bank

I Possess My Own Unique Timbre, Ornamentation, And Musical Understanding

Safaricom’s Ethiopian Venture Surpasses 9 Million Customers

Help Her Blossom Hanan Ahmed’s Mission to Restore Dignity and Empower Women

Ethiopian Startup Ecosystem Transformed by Groundbreaking Legal Reforms

Cooperative Bank of Oromia Invests ETB 60 Million in Ethiopian Securities Exchange

Movies in the Age of YouTube